Attendees of last year’s Mom Prom pose for a picture during the event. This year’s “prom” will help raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, the charity of choice of Bree Town of Greenville. — Courtesy photo

SHERIDAN — Sitting in a limousine on their way to the airport for a flight to Disney World last year, the Town family couldn’t believe the trip the Make A Wish Foundation was sending their daughter Bree on.

Bree, who was diagnosed in 2012 with acute myeloid leukemia, which affects the myeloid line of blood, was one of the many children whose wish became a reality thanks to the charitable organization.

So when the Town family of Greenville was approached by the Montcalm County Mom Prom Committee, which wanted to hold this year’s event in honor of Bree, about a potential charity for the fundraiser, it didn’t take too long for them to decide.

“We thought about all the charities we’ve been associated with during this cancer journey and Bree decided on Make A Wish,” said Jennifer Town, Bree’s mother. “We’ve always wanted to give back to Make A Wish and this was a great way.”

Bree Town, a Greenville girl diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, shows off a new outfit at her home.

In its third year, the Montcalm County Mom Prom, which was started by Jesica and Milessa Scott, helps raise money for a different cause each year. This year’s event coordinator Nikki Eller said she hoped the event could be in honor of Bree, someone who she has come to admire.

“I’ve been following her story through her whole battle with cancer,” said Eller, who didn’t previously know the Town family.

Bree, who has been back home for three weeks following her bone marrow transplant Feb. 6, is recovering from her surgery and according to her mother is doing well.

While she still taking several medications as her body works to adapt to the new bone marrow, the early signs point toward Bree’s body accepting the donor’s marrow.

“That was really good news,” Jennifer Town said. “There were no leukemia cells.”

But the road ahead is still long.

Inspired by Bree’s story, Eller contacted Jennifer Town and got permission to hold the event in Bree’s honor.

The Mom Prom, scheduled for April 26 at the Holland Lake Golf Course in Sheridan, is a prom-style event for women.

“Mom Prom is the ultimate ladies night out,” Eller said.

Wearing old prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses or even buying something new, prom-goers will have a night of music, dancing and socializing.

“There’s no stress about what’s going on around you and everyone is laughing and having a good time,” Eller said.

Bree Town and her brother Justin draw at the family’s home. — Courtesy photo

And any style of attire is welcome.

“Everybody is different. You see a huge variety of dresses,” Eller said. “Some people go out and buy something new and some buy some on yard sale sites, which really brings in some interesting dresses, which makes it fun.”

This year’s prom theme is “Dance with the Stars.” Decorations, prizes, a potential red carpet and more are just some of the features for the star theme.

In addition to the theme, Eller said there is also a color scheme to the event. Representing childhood cancer, leukemia and the Make A Wish Foundation, the event colors are gold, blue and orange.

With the typical cost of a “wish” to be fulfilled for the charity organization costing around $5,000, that became the target for funds to be raised by the Mom Prom event, Eller said.

Tickets, which are limited due to large sales, are $20 each and can be purchased at RJ’s Sports Bar in Sheridan, Posh Vega’s in Greenville and the Stanton Hair Studio.

To help raise money for the Mom Prom, a “ladies expo” is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post in Stanton.

Admission is free for the event, which features 30 vendors ranging from salons and fashion accessories to home décor and masseuses. Tickets for the Mom Prom will also be available at the expo.

For more information on either event, visit the Montcalm County Mom Prom Facebook page.

Curtis Wildfong is the Greenville area reporter for The Daily News. Wildfong, a 2009 Central Michigan University graduate, brings a passion for covering hard news stories that impact all members of the community. He lives in Sparta with his wife and daughter.

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